Brazil will host Venezuelaat the Arena Pantanal in the third round of the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.
The hosts have got their World Cup qualification campaign off to a perfect start, recording two straight wins. They thrashed Bolivia 5-1 at home in their campaign opener before nicking a 1-0 lacklustre away win against Peru thanks to Marquinhos' 90th-minute winner.
As a result, the Selecao, ranked third in the world by FIFA, currently sit top of the CONMEBOL standings, and Fernando Diniz's men will look to keep the momentum going with a positive result on Friday.
Venezuela, meanwhile, look revitalized under head coach Fernando Batista, who has won four of his first six games in charge in all competitions since taking over in March.
They have had a mixed start to the World Cup Qualifiers, as they suffered a 1-0 away defeat to Colombia in their first qualifying clash, but bounced back to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 home win over Paraguay last time out.
Here GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
Brazil vs Venezuela kick-off time
| Date: | October 12, 2023 |
| Kick-off time: | 8:30 pm EDT |
| Venue: | Arena Pantanal |
The game between Brazil and Venezuela will be played at Arena Pantanal in Cuaiba, Brazil on Thursday, October 12, 2023. Kick-off is at 8:30 pm EDT for fans in the US.
How to watch Brazil vs Venezuela online - TV channels & live streams
 | ViX+ | Watch here |
The fixture will be shown live onViX+ in the United States. Match highlights will be shown on the platforms after the full-time whistle. Live updates can be accessed here on GOAL.
Team news & squads
Brazil team news
Brazil head coach Fernando Diniz will have to contend with a slightly trimmed squad for the qualification games against Venezuela and Uruguay.
Thiago Silva, Alex Sandro, Lucas Paqueta, Fred, Fabinho, and Antony have all been left at home, while Joelinton and Eder Militao have not been picked as they continue to recover from respective knee issues. Juventus defender Gleison Bremer returns to the squad along with Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus.
Brazil predicted XI: Ederson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Arana; Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rodrygo, Neymar, Vinicius Jr; Jesus
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers: | Alisson, Ederson, Perri |
| Defenders: | Marquinhos, Danilo, Lodi, Vanderson, Henrique, Magalhães, Nino, Bremer |
| Midfielders: | Casemiro, Guimarães, Veiga, Andre, Gerson |
| Forwards: | Neymar, Jesus, Richarlison, Rodrygo, Cunha, Martinelli, Raphinha |
Venezuela team news
Venezuela boss Yeferson Soteldo should steer clear from making too many changes to his starting XI from the Paraguay victory, and should stick with his compact 4-4-2 formation.
Thirty-four-year-old striker Salomon Rondon, who stepped up to net his 40th international goal from the spot to secure all three points against Paraguay, will continue to lead the line alongside Inter Miami's Josef Martinez.
Venezuela predicted XI: Romo; Gonzalez, Osorio, Angel, Navarro; Sosa, Rincon, Herrera, Soteldo; Josef Martinez, Rondon
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers: | Baroja, Romo, Graterol |
| Defenders: | Rosales, Gonzalez, Chancellor, Villanueva, Angel, Osorio, Mago, Makoun, Navarro, Aramburu |
| Midfielders: | Rincon, Otero, Machis, Moreno, Soteldo, Savarino, Herrera, Martinez, Casseres, Bello, Sosa, Bueno |
| Forwards: | Rondon, Martinez, Cordova, Marques |
Head-to-Head Record
| Date | Match | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 8/10/21 | Venezuela 1-3 Brazil | World Cup qualifier |
| 14/6/21 | Brazil 3-0 Venezuela | Copa America |
| 14/11/20 | Brazil 1-0 Venezuela | World Cup qualifier |
| 19/6/19 | Brazil 0-0 Venezuela | Copa America |
| 21/10/16 | Venezuela 0-2 Brazil | World Cup qualifier |